Korostenka

Dear Reader, I took some courage and imagined a conversation between you and myself over my blog. I hope you find it pleasant and entertaining.

Korostenka: One Woman’s Journey through Ukrainian Culture (with a side of Deruny)—Is there something about Ukraine?

Yes, it’s almost about Ukraine. I’m Ukrainian, and I love my country. I want to share this passion through my articles, memories, photos, and cultural insights.

So, why Korostenka? So, what exactly does this mean?

I am Korostenka, a lady from the old Ukrainian city of Korosten. I have lived in the UK for a long time, yet my homeland is always with me.

How on Earth will you say that?

Very simple: “”Koro-sten.””.

Does this name make any sense?

Yes, a lot.

Long before the Normans conquered Britain, there was Korosten. This ancient city was the capital of the Drevlians, an ancient Slavic people. The city’s name in old Ukrainian was Is-koro-sten, which means” from bark on the wall.” That was because of the strong wooden fence with bark surrounding the city. Today, the city has a beautiful park where the fragments of these walls were recreated.

Interesting. And what about Drevlians? Does this name have a meaning, too?

Yes, most slave names were meaningful. The tribe’s name, Drevlians, translates as “”People of Trees.””. It is believed that there were sizable forests all around the city.

Now, the North Region of Ukraine, where Korosten is situated, is known as Polissya. This word translates as “”The Woods.”” It is the only part of Ukraine where huge woodlands exist.

Why are you talking about woods and trees so much?

I enjoy the woods and forests. My favourite childhood memories are of our family expeditions to forage mushrooms or berries. Speaking of mushrooms, I have several wonderful dishes that I will post on this blog.

OK, you mentioned Deruny. What is it?

Oh, deruny is one of Ukraine’sUkraine’s national meals. Deruny are potato pancakes, and they are one of the signature dishes of my native region. In fact, before the war started, there was a Deruny Festival in Korosten.

I adore this dish, and, of course, I’ll share some recipes in the blog!

Please tell me more about yourself.

With pleasure! I am a volunteer and a mother of one. I am an engineer by education. I work as an IT and science outreach professional. I am a culture enthusiast from Ukraine who has lived in the United Kingdom for a long time.

I’m a bit dyslexic. Sometimes, I fight the English spelling as bravely as my ancestors fought for their land. Sometimes, I lose to diphthongs (those pesky vowel combinations in words like “neighbour” and “through” always trip me up!).

Why did you create this blog?

Since I was in school, I have been engaged in and studied Ukrainian culture. I am grateful to my great Ukrainian cultural teacher for this. But it took me a long time to truly appreciate its diversity and beauty.

Ukrainian culture was marginalised and even forbidden for many years. Now, Ukrainians are rediscovering their roots. They are forging a new cultural identity. It is painful since the Ukraine war played a key role in its inception. Still, it is also a fascinating process of development and reflection on the past while constructing a new future. Every Ukrainian is a part of this rebirth. So am I, with all my love, adoration, and volunteer work, to help my city’s Ukrainian community and amateur cultural studies. I hope that my writings can be another small brick in the beautiful future of Ukraine.

Please explore the blog. I hope you fall in love with Ukraine if you have not already.